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Friday, Mar 29 2024  

SWAMI'S BIRTHDAY
Date of Swami's Birthday: November 23

 

Purpose:
Sathya Sai Baba, initially named as Sathya Narayana Raju was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in South India on 23rd November 1926. This is the day when the Lord Himself came on earth in physical form, and is hence celebrated every year by devotees of Sai Baba. It is a day when we remind ourselves of what Swami stands for, and what we should do as His devotees.

Story relating to Swami's Birth:
Let me share with you one of the interesting events related to Swami's birth. From week to week before Swami's birth, musical instruments like the tambura and maddala (or drum) used to play on their own in the middle of the night. Swami's parents used to be awakened by the tambura twanging automatically and the maddala beating rhythmically just as if an expert Hand was playing it! Many other incidents and intimations occurred that were believed to be auspicious, and signified the presence of a Shakti, a Divine Power.

Swami's message:
Most of all, it is important to remember and follow Swami's messages on celebrating His Birthday. On many occasions, Swami has said "As I come to the Sai Kulwant Hall, many devotees greet Me with the words, 'Happy Birthday!' They should wish 'Happy Birthdays' for those who are not happy. I do not need your birthday greetings. The Divine is perennially in bliss (Nitya-Ananadam). The Divine is ever blissful; confers supreme happiness on others; is the ever embodiment of the highest wisdom; has transcended the opposites; is as vast as space; cloud-like in complexion; with perfect features. Like the lightning in the heart of a cloud, wisdom should illumine your hearts. That wisdom will reveal, the Divine in you." What Swami wants is that all of us should be happy all the time, rather than simply wish Swami 'Happy Birthday'.

Likewise, in many of His discourses, Swami has mentioned that, "The day you practice all My teachings and adhere to the Truth will be My Birthday". So what Swami wants us to do is practice His teachings. When all the Sai devotees adhere to His teachings, that will be His Birthday. Therefore, we should adhere to His teachings as a gift to Swami on His birthday.

How is the Festival celebrated in Singapore:
In Singapore, Swami's birthday celebrations are on for one full day. It is a happy occasion where all the Sai devotees from different centres in Singapore come together to produce spiritual vibrations by singing the Swami's praise. We start early in the morning with prayers and paduka pooja, followed by bhajans which will continue till evening. A Mega Blood Donation Drive is held (with the support of the Singapore Blood Transfusion Centre) where we donate the Liquid Love the entire day. After bhajans, youths from different centres offer drama and dance performances.

On the day before Swami's birthday, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Council Singapore invites a few hundred senior citizens for lunch and devotees from all centres collectively do seva by serving them food with love. Here too, drama and dances will be performed to entertain the senior citizens while they enjoy their vegetarian meal. As you can see, this is the day where all Singaporean devotees come together with unity and devotion to Swami as His birthday present.

Jai Sai Ram

Sis Khushboo
SSEHV Group 4


 

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